Defence for Assault Charges in U.K.

Updated on Monday 14th August 2017

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The common assault and battery are two different types of assault offences in UK, as mentioned by the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, and persons charged with such accusations can face penalties and imprisonment. It is good to know that for assault charges, a suitable legal representation is mandatory, which is why we recommend you ask for legal advice from our criminal defence solicitors in London. The same team can offer legal support for any type of serious crimes you have been accused of.

Legal representation for common assault or battery charges

First of all, it is good to know that the common assault refers to physical attack or violence compared to battery which represents violence applied to another individual. The assault accusations must be sustained with strong evidence, whether a person has been assaulted with intention or recklessness. Such cases of assault are sent to the Magistrates’ Court in UK or to the Crown Court, and if the offender is found guilty, he/she can receive a maximum custody of 6 months or a fine. If the criminal background shows no evidence of previous crimes, the person is subject only to a fine. The accusations of common assault are severe and legal support is recommended, a matter where our defence solicitors in London can help.

The meaning of self-defence in UK

The self-defence can be used in cases of assault, but with the mention that there is a difference between the force used for defence or the one used for revenge. In other words, self-defence and retaliation are two separate matters in an assault offence, and a comprehensive explanation can be provided on request by our criminal lawyer in UK.

The meaning of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) in UK

According to the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, the assault that causes actual bodily harm is a severe offence, where physical harm is produced by someone. Bruises, bite marks or scratches are evidence which sustains an actual bodily harm as part of an assault. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, a person charged with ABH can face imprisonment of maximum 5 years, a fine or a community order. It is recommended to talk to one of our defence solicitors in London for a better understanding of the ABH and the assault offences in UK.

The meaning of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) in UK

Stabbing a victim or wounding a person with intentions are part of serious harm or criminal offences known as grievous bodily harm. GBH is the result of common assault or battery, where persons accused of such crimes can receive a sentence of 10 years or life imprisonment if manslaughter has been involved.

We remind that if you have been accused of assault, it is suggested to get in touch with our team of criminal defence solicitors in London and ask for legal advice.